Getting the shape back in my cotton sweater

[rosie29]

I have a cotton sweater (100%) that is stretched out, mainly in the sleeves/cuffs. The care instructions say to dry it flat, so I always do. How can I get the shape back? Do you think if I threw it in the dryer, maybe on medium, would that help?

TIA!!!!

[bklynmom04]

hmmm... cotton just doesn't have "bounce-back-ability" that wool has. i would let it dry naturally a bit and put it in the dryer while it's still a bit damp. it may shrink up a little bit though -- so, if that would be a problem for you, then i wouldn't do it.

sorry i'm not more help on this one -- maybe someone else has more insight.

[rosie29]

Thanks bklynmom04. Anyone else have ideas??? I guess I will try the dryer...hopefully it doesn't shrink too much...

[Jennifer Z]

I have never actually blocked an item before, but was just reading a section of a knitting book about blocking and wonder if that might help it. If I understand it right (and I might not), you lay it flat, arrange it just how you want it to look , and then use the steam from a steam iron (not pressing down) to help lock the shape in. I don't entirely get it, but maybe look up 'blocking for knitting' on the internet and see if it comes up with something.